B Mirror Report : In response to Saudi authorities’ concerns over delays in finalizing accommodations in Mecca and Medina, the Ministry of Religious Affairs (MoRA) has directed the nation’s top Hajj agencies to finish house rental arrangements for potential Bangladeshi pilgrims by February 1.

The directive was issued after the Saudi government expressed dissatisfaction that most Bangladeshi Hajj agencies have yet to complete the required house rental formalities in the holy cities. A senior MoRA official told the Financial Express that a circular was issued on Saturday (January 17, 2026), asking lead Hajj agencies to meet the deadline set by the Saudi authorities.

According to the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, contracts for house rentals must be finalised by February 1, 2026. The MoRA official said a virtual meeting was held on January 15, 2026, between officials of the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah and Bangladesh’s Ministry of Religious Affairs.

During the meeting, the Saudi side voiced concern over the lack of meaningful progress in securing accommodation in Mecca and Medina for Bangladeshi pilgrims. Saudi officials made it clear that the deadline would not be extended under any circumstances.

They also warned that failure by any Bangladeshi lead Hajj agency to complete house rental formalities within the stipulated timeframe would result in the cancellation of its service package.

As of January 16, 2026, only about seven per cent of the 35 lead Hajj agencies had completed house rental arrangements in Mecca, while 11.35 per cent had done so in Medina. Eleven agencies have yet to finalise house rentals in either of the two cities.

The MoRA has urged all lead Hajj agencies to ensure completion of house rental formalities in both Mecca and Medina by the February 1 deadline.

In addition, the ministry has written to Biman Bangladesh Airlines, Saudi Airlines and Flynas Airlines to expedite the issuance of air tickets for Hajj pilgrims. Under Saudi government guidelines, pilgrims must travel using aircraft operated by the same airline.

No fewer than 30% or more than 50% of pre-Hajj flight tickets for a single agency may be issued by the authorized airlines.

In the meantime, the government has released a list of 80 medical facilities that are permitted to offer immunization services to pilgrims planning to perform the Hajj this year. Pilgrims must complete 25 health-related examinations by January 25, 2026, prior to obtaining immunizations.